Tigran Hamasyan is a musician unlike any other. Known for his distinctive fusion of jazz, rock, and Armenian folk melodies, Hamasyan captivates audiences worldwide with his dynamic performances. His music is a reflection of his passion and energy, and as those who have seen him play can attest, his approach to the piano is a full-body experience.
“It’s just natural. I just can’t sit still. That energy has to come out some way. It is more relaxing. It’s almost like doing martial arts or yoga on the piano,” said Hamasyan.
His latest project, Bird of a Thousand Voices—his 11th album—showcases his vast creativity through 24 tracks and explores the Armenian folk tale “Hazaran Blbul.” Released in August, the project goes beyond the album, incorporating a video game, website, and even a theatrical production.
In a recent interview from his home in Armenia, the 37-year-old musician shared insights about his influences, his new album, and his upcoming US tour, which kicks off in Philadelphia. Hamasyan will perform at the Somerville Theater in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 29.
“This is a super old Armenian tale,” Hamasyan explained. “With this project, we’re creating research projects, too. The international community doesn’t know much about this tale. It’s the most popular fairy tale in Armenia.”
The tale of Hazaran Blbul centers around a generous king who opens his palace gates to share his wealth. Amidst the chaos of the crowd, a small child is trampled, and his grandmother curses the king. Only the mythical bird of a thousand songs can lift the curse. The king’s oldest sons fail to find the bird, so his youngest son, Areg, embarks on a perilous journey. Along the way, Areg promises to return to marry the village girl, Manushak. However, when he succeeds and the bird’s song restores peace, Manushak, heartbroken by his long absence, has transformed into a lily.
Hamasyan elaborated on the tale’s deep historical and emotional significance. “Research tells us there is mythology linked all the way back to 4,000-5,000 years. There are archetypes you can find in many, many tales around the world. The entire story is all about overcoming hardship. What really struck me was the poetry in the tale. There’s a lot about sacrifice, and yet, the goal of finding the bird is reached. The hero asks the bird to sing, and the garden blooms again. People who had turned into beasts turn human again,” he said.
As a musician, he found the idea of a song bringing life and healing especially powerful. “The idea that this is all happening with this song is really poetic. The aspect about the song is really touching.”
Numerous Armenian writers have created their own versions of the tale, including Stepan Zoryan. Hamasyan noted that Hovhaness Tumanyan spent years working on it but could only complete a quarter of his version. “In his archives, he writes that he was studying at least 30 different versions of it,” Hamasyan explained.
The production of Bird of a Thousand Voices has been a long journey for Hamasyan, one that coincided with major life changes. “During this project, my wife and I had three children,” he shared. “I thank God for my children every day, but now I have to manage my time.”
The project is a multimedia spectacle that spans several platforms, including an online game, an artfully created story, and a theatrical production. The game, developed by Hamasyan’s team, takes players through the hero’s journey in search of the bird, fighting demons along the way. Unlike traditional games, the focus is on artistic expression rather than realism. “It’s about creating an art piece. The story is a bedtime story. We wanted to reach the younger generation with this medium. It’s a huge project,” Hamasyan said.
The Bird of a Thousand Voices multimedia experience will be staged in Berlin, Belgium, Armenia, and Los Angeles. A documentary film is also in the works, and Hamasyan plans to release a toy based on the story. The project reflects his passion for blending tradition with innovation and continues to showcase his exceptional artistic vision.
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